Ingrid Hall's Blog, page 21

Review of Lifting The Lid By Rob Johnson

REVIEW BY JOANNE ARMSTRONG

 

A comedy thriller about overbearing mothers, toilet mishaps and dogs that refuse to do as they’re told.

About Rob Johnson:

Even before I read his bio, I knew that Rob Johnson would be an interesting person. His book told me that he just had to be. So here’s the bio, and you’ll see what I mean:

Having worked for several years as an administrator and publicist for touring theatre companies, I decided to try my hand at writing plays myself. Four of these were professionally produced and toured throughout the UK, but when public funding for non-commercial theatre virtually dried up overnight, I was forced into the world of ‘proper jobs’ as my father liked to call them.

During this period, I also made use of my Equity card and appeared in numerous TV shows as a ‘supporting artiste,’ otherwise and somewhat less attractively known as an ‘extra.’ (Ricky Gervaise was spot on by the way. Just wish I’d written ‘Extras’ myself.)

I now live on a 5-acre smallholding in Greece with my partner Penny, six rescue dogs and three cats and divide my time between writing and growing olives organically for oil.

About Lifting the Lid:

It’s taken me ages to read this book. That’s not code for “it’s not very good”, honestly, just bear with me. It took me ages because I wanted to read every word properly – no skimming allowed – and because there have been so many other things on the go recently that I haven’t been able to concentrate on it. And I wanted to.

Now that I’m done, I’ve been wholly rewarded. The story is just so much FUN! Trevor is a boring (yes) man with a boring job and an AWFUL mother who decides to chuck it all in one day and buy a camper. So he and his dog Milly head off into the sunset and look for adventure. He doesn’t get very far as the camper needs repairs, so he books into a hotel for the night.

And so begins Trevor’s adventures. His dear mother sets the police onto him simply because she doesn’t like him much, and before he knows it, a private detective, MI5 and group of crooks are after him as well. Quiet, boring Trevor can’t understand what he’s done to bring the wrath of the good, bad and ugly down on himself. All he did was break a cistern lid, that’s not a crime is it?

I loved the story. It is entertaining, well-written, cleverly planned and expertly timed. The separate threads of Johnson’s story are carefully prepared and then expertly woven together to culminate at the finale. The characters are larger-than-life, without quite slumping into the “caricature” pit. Johnson gives his reader variety in mood, pace, setting and dialogue, never giving them a chance to become bored or to be able to predict where the story is heading.

You can find out more about Rob Johnson and his books on his website: http://rob-johnson.org.uk/

JOANNE ARMSTRONG IS THE AUTHOR OF THE TEEN NOVEL UNWORTHY.  YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A COPY AT:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/450106

 

Review of These Colors Don’t Run by Andrew Galasetti

Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, Andrew Galasetti is the author of several books including “These Colors Don’t Run” and  “To Breathe Free.” “These Colors Don’t Run” is the story of Samuel, an orphan and slave in 1830s Georgia who makes a decision that has a great reward—freedom—but which also comes at great costs. “To Breathe Free” continues the story of Samuel and his family many years later as they still strive “to breathe free”

Okay, so this little gem has been sitting patiently in our “To Review” queue for over twelve months! (Authors requesting reviews, please note that review times do vary) I was a little wary going in as I had put up all sorts of barriers in my head.  Slavery is one of those issues that still disturbs me, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to “cope” with the book.  Or whether or not, it was just going to be too “heavy” for me.

First up, this is a very SHORT book and is, therefore, in spite of the subject matter a very quick read.  It is for the most part brilliantly written, apart from the ending, which I will come to in a bit.  Galasetti’s characterization is amazing, and both Samuel and his partner Harriet, are incredibly believable.  I did find that certain elements of the first part of the book disturbed me as the descriptions of the slave’s suffering is incredibly visual.   However, the plot is fast-moving, and I ended up making time during the day yesterday to finish the book – instead of waiting for my usual nightly “kindle time.”

The curious thing about this book is that while it does link to “To Breathe Free” which I believe picks up on Samuel and his son and covers later years…I still felt that the author was whizzing through time and cramming what could easily have been a lengthy series, into a tiny novella.  Don’t get me wrong, he pulls it off, but, I wanted more.  More emotion with the big event scenes (which occurred chapter by chapter) I also thought that his “evil deed” was grossly underplayed throughout the book.

The ending: random and rushed are the only two words that I can come up with! It totally came out of nowhere, and (for me) didn’t fit with the rest of the characterization, which I have already said was brilliant up until this point.  Without giving away any spoilers, I just don’t see why Samuel would do that! It had me scratching my head for a couple of hours after I had put my kindle away!

Overall, gripes aside, I would highly recommend this book!

You can find out more at: http://andrewgalasetti.com

 

Advance Review of Freedom – The Sensual Liaisons Series Book 1

What can I say, except that I am a very happy bunny! Here is the first advance review for Freedom, the first in my series of erotic romances writing as Luna Ballantyne….

Dennis Higgins is the daddy of Time Travel, and his approval means a lot to me!

Freedom – The Sensual Liaisons Series Book 1

By: Luna Ballantyne – (Review by Dennis Higgins.)

 “Time travel, what can I say. I love it in all its forms. I do, however, have to say that I had never read one quite like this.

Luna has spun a vivid tale where history came alive for me and the characters were real, especially the main protagonists, Zara and Max, the Highwayman.

Freedom is not only a wonderful time travel story set in Newcastle, England, today and 1636, but has witches and erotica. Now I have read erotic stories before and sex is either stocked full, nearly every page or thrown in more as an afterthought or this is what needs to be here now. Freedom is different. Sex is integral to the story as the highwayman is cursed with being a gigolo, a role which isn’t always a curse to him, as when he meets Zara who is celebrating her divorce with the hopes of a wild, steamy freedom night. I have to say, Luna not only understands female sexuality, but has managed to get into the brain and loins of the male psyche as well, in a totally believable and realistic manner.

 The story left me satisfied, yet wanting more. I want to know what fate awaits Max and wished to learn more about his curser, Elizabetha. I needed more of her and hope that when “Compromised – The Sensual Liaisons Series Book 2″ comes out in 2015, I get it.

FREEDOM – THE SENSUAL LIAISONS SERIES BOOK ONE WILL BE AVAILABLE MID-OCTOBER.

 

Who’s that, Wednesday?

 

I have taken over horror writer Carmilla Voiez’s Facebook page.  For the next 6 or 7 hours I will be talking about whatever comes into my head, and will be running giveaways and competitions….Please show your support by stopping by!

https://www.facebook.com/Author.Carmilla.Voiez

In addition to writing Carmilla is also a brilliant editor and is the genius behind Broken Mirrors Fractured Minds.  (Check out Lenora’s review)

Review of Sister Issues by Latanya “Epiphany” Richardson

Founder of “Sister’s Standing on the Rock of Faith Ministries” (SSRF Ministries) Latanya “Epiphany” Richardson is a  poet, writer, and speaker. She performs spoken word poetry, gospel rap and teaches praise dance under SSRF Ministries. She works with, counsels and assists children with various mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues and disabilities. She holds a bachelor degree from Temple University in Psychology and several certificates from Resources for Human Development’s Miniversity in courses pertaining to Psychology. A single mother of one teenage daughter, Latanya presently resides in Philadelphia and is working on her Master’s degree in School & Mental Health Counseling.

Okay, so first of all I am SORRY about the lack of reviews recently. However, I have been rushed flat off my feet with my own writing and editing commitments, and I simply haven’t had time to read as much as I would like to.   (Don’t forget; I am currently running a half-price editing offer.  Find out more here.)

This book has been on our list pending review for an absolute eternity! I have been put off from reading it in the past because I was aware that it had a strong religious under-pinning and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to cope with having God pushed in my face when I simply don’t believe…Well, not in the conventional sense.

I have to say that the book wasn’t at all what I was expecting, and I was pleasantly surprised.  Yes, God is upfront and in your face, but it is difficult to find fault with this, when the author so passionately believes in him! Richardson’s style of writing is engaging, captivating and funny.  Unlike a lot of books of this nature, which delve into the issues that we have with each other, this book is SO accessible and relevant that I simply had to continue reading.   The main thrust of the book is the issues that women have with women…not just our blood sisters, but all of the women in our lives.  Women can be incredibly bitchy toward each other, and Richardson delves into the why????

So okay, I could definitely have lived without the God factor, but far be it from me to criticise someone for their beliefs, each to their own…and it’s not like anyone forced me to read the book!  I am all for girl-power and women supporting women.  In short, if you are a woman who believes passionately about women’s issues…and God, then this book is definitely for you!

You can grab a copy of the book here.

Freedom- Cover Reveal!

Coming soon…Freedom – Book One in The Sensual Liaisons Series…My new erotic romance, writing as Luna Ballantyne!

 

…details…selected poems by Valeri Beers

 

This is a blatant shout-out for the lovely Valeri Beers.  Her poetry collection was only published at the weekend but is already generating amazing reviews.  Here is an advance review from Beryl Belsky from The Writer’s Drawer.

“An intriguing collection of poems, full of evocative imagery. Love, love lost, and yearning are the main themes, but there are also others. Some of the poems, such as “Alchemy,” “$20 Dollar Words,” and “HER” bring to mind short, pithy, Asian-style poetry, which I’ve always enjoyed.  I especially liked “Hands,” as well as “Midas Touch, “Long Division,” and “Uncertain Embers.”

…details…is available from Amazon   You can also connect with Valeri at:  wordsoftheval2000.wordpress.com

I have been very busy lately with editing and writing, and so the reviews have been fewer than I would like.  I hope to rectify that later this week!

Passing From Life to Afterlife. An Anthology of Poems, Short Stories And Essays

Hey everyone,

I have been approached by Frank Esposito to compile an anthology of Poems, Essays and Short Stories, around the theme of DEATH.  Given my macabre fascination with the subject, then I could hardly say no! I am willing to compile, edit and contribute to the anthology. It goes without saying that Frank will also be contributing.

In order to make it viable though, we need other contributors.  I guess we would be hoping to publish by Summer 2015, so would need all submissions by JANUARY 10th, 2015.

If you are interested, please contact me using the contact form provided.  We haven’t worked out exact specifics but may well publish this as a FREE E-Book, meaning that the main benefit that contributors would get would be increased sales of other work, due to the promotional value.  Each contributor would retain copyright for their own work, and I don’t envisage any restrictive clauses.

[contact-form]

 

Review of Stranger at Sunset by Eden Baylee

About Eden Baylee

Eden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to become a full-time writer. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is sensual, sexual, and literary.

June 30, 2014 saw the release of her first novel, a psychological mystery set in Jamaica called Stranger at Sunset.

About Stranger at Sunset: Review by Jo Armstrong

One word to describe the novel would be lengthy.

I struggled with this aspect – it seemed to drag on and on through so many sections that it became hard work.

However, with my greatest bugbear out of the way, I can now dwell on far more positive aspects. What an entertaining story! We are told that our protagonist is Kate Hampton, who heads off to Jamaica for a holiday. Once there we meet a range of interesting and rather shady characters with different views of the world to bring to the table.

The book is written from multiple perspectives, which is fascinating. With the skill of a juggler the author manages to get inside the head of so many different mindsets. I found it unusual that Kate’s viewpoint seemed to receive as much attention as anyone else’s, but this also made the story intriguing. At some points she almost retreated into the backdrop, and I can see now the author’s purpose for this. Baylee gives each character his or her due in terms of background and motivation, although the reader may have to wait in suspense to piece all the crumbs of clues together.

It reminded me of Poirot, stuck on a train with a murderer (or two or three). Certainly all the elements of a good Agatha Christie are here. Interesting characters. Chance encounters. History. A dead body. A wonderfully lavish and exotic location. But Baylee throws the prescriptive “whodunit” bible out the window and writes to her own tune, which was hugely refreshing and so enjoyable.

First of all, the murder happens in the prologue, just vaguely, through someone else’s eyes (or binoculars, actually). Not too unusual, you may think. But then we go back in time and hear about everyone arriving at the resort, and the murder itself occurs blow by blow before our eyes half way through the book. However, and here’s the twist, the reader can’t actually be too sure who the murderer and victim are. Or even, in Poirot terms, who will play detective? And who has a history with the victim? A lover? A business partner? A family member? The victim is named fairly quickly, but the red herrings for the identity of the murderer continue until the very last part of the book, and the motivations left hanging till the final page.

The roles which Baylee has given her protagonist are numerous, and extremely clever. I have never encountered a main character quite like Kate Hampton. I did not like her, which tainted my opinion of the book (it is difficult to enjoy a book whose main character you dislike), but luckily she is not front and centre all the time. Her greatest gift is her amazing mind. At times she waves away others’ compliments of her stunning memory, even though she’s the one asking about their mother-in-law by name. I found that she is at times strong and confident, at others frustratingly submissive or even foggy, and at the end, when it really sealed my opinion of her, a petulant child. There are fuzzy areas at key points in the book where I couldn’t get a handle on what she was thinking at all, and although I understand it now, I found this difficult to accept in a main character.

Baylee can write. I found the pace and timing of the flow of the story a little off; the clues unusually spaced, the reveals a little mistimed. But there is no denying that she writes well, in terms of structure and grammar. And in a writer I think this is important. I also think it’s important for a writer to have a sense of humour, which Baylee clearly has. I’m not saying that Stranger at Sunset is a comedy, or that it’s full of caricatures. What I am saying is that Baylee writes not only with passion and verve, but also at times with her tongue firmly in her cheek. And this is what I appreciate most about a writer; that they can enjoy and embrace the subtleties and expectations of their genre whilst having a little smile to themselves too.

All in all, this story is a find for Indie readers and for fans of mysteries – especially if you like a little bit of twisting!

Stranger at Sunset is Eden Baylee’s first novel and she is currently writing a second plunge into Kate Hampton’s world. However, if you are desperate to get your hands on more of Baylee’s work, she has published many novellas and short stories. To find out more, visit www.edenbaylee.com   You can also check out her feature “Plotting for Pantsters” here

 Jo Armstrong is new to the Indie world and she is loving what she’s found. You can download her teen dystopia Unworthy from Smashwords. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/450106

She’s currently got a 4.9 star rating out of 5, most reviewers telling her to get back to writing.

Coming Soon – Freedom- Sensual Liaisons Series Book 1 by Luna Ballantyne